The Machine as a Performer

Abstract

The potential of reusing outmoded audio/visual (A/V) technological objects in a new, creative and artistic context was the core idea of this research. My main goal was to demonstrate that as designers and artists we can take advantage of the vast amount of interesting technological objects that exhibit a strong physical presence and expressive inherent qualities, but serve no contemporary purpose. I wanted to move recognisable outdated A/V objects into an artistic context and in doing so, demonstrate that new expressions can be created through recontexualisation and the creative misuse of old forms and functions. There are three main components to this research: the first consists of exploring how artists in the post-industrialisation era portrayed technology and machines in their work through different media and art techniques. This gives an understanding into how ordinary recognisable mechanical objects have been placed in a new, artistic context through various art techniques and expressions. The second component is the creation of the physical machine experiments fabricated by myself from outmoded A/V technological objects in ways that drew inspiration from established modern and postmodern art techniques. The main goal was to manifest this research into physical installations and performative machines that demonstrate the expressive potential of outdated A/V objects beyond their not relevant functionality, while trying to evoke new emotional responses from the viewer. The third component is the exhibition of the various created objects, not only to my peers, but also to people outside the academic community who may have interest in the field. This was achieved by performing at experimental sound festivals as well as holding my own exhibition, within a small gallery space in Wellington, New Zealand.